St. Lucia Politics: Opposition is pushing for the removal of the housing minister from cabinet, as the government faces fresh political heat. Carnival Governance: Creative Industries and Culture Minister Dr Ernest Hilaire says the National Carnival Queen Pageant rules will be redone after joint winners were crowned this year, with a tie-breaker promised for next time. Public Safety & Travel: The U.S. upgraded its Saint Lucia travel advisory to Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution” over violent crime, including armed robbery and sexual violence, and urged visitors to take extra precautions. Regional Security & Migration: CARICOM leaders discussed the controversial U.S. third-country national (TCN) issue, stressing safe, orderly transit without disrupting regional security or services. EU Pressure on CBI: Saint Lucia’s CBI programme officials say the EU and U.S. have long raised national security concerns, while Eastern Caribbean leaders plan a coordinated diplomatic push to Brussels. Local Development: A new dragon fruit nursery opened in Union, Castries, as part of the Seven Crops Project to boost high-value, climate-resilient agriculture. Water Infrastructure: WASCO’s Patience water upgrade is progressing, with treatment plant work and pipe lanes nearing completion ahead of a September 2026 target. Sports & Culture: Saint Lucia’s boxers head to a Guyana training camp for the CAC Games, and Carnival’s Groovy and Power Soca Monarch titles went to Kisha Kay and Ezra D’Funmachine.